Aerial conveyer system.



B. C. BAH...

AERIAL @OIWEYER SYSTEM. APPLICATIGN mzo' luw 1, WM.

mmmfimm Patented m. 211, 1915.

4D SHEETS-SHEET l- B. C. BALL.

AERIAL CONVEYER SYSTEM.

B. C. BALL.

AERIAL CONVEYEB SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED IULY I. 1914.

Patented m. 21, m5.

4 SHEETS-SIHEET "11 WT tFFTfiE.

BERT CHARLES BALL, OF PORTLAND, OREGON.

AERIAL CONVEYER SYSTEM.

ll ,iltiehti23.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dee. 21L, t9i5.

Application filed July 1, 1914. Serial No. 848,395.

To all whom it may concern.

' Be it known that I, BERT C. BALL, a citizen of the United States, residing at Portland. in the county of Multnomah and State of Oregon, have invented new and useful Improvements in Aerial Conveyer Systems, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to aerial conveyer systems .and consists in certain improvements in the construction thereof as will be hereinafter fully described and pointed out in the claims.

- More particularly the invention is designed for aerial conveyer systems one of their uses being the handling of logs. In such systems it is usual to extend a cable from a yarding position out into the Woods, the operation extending to the sides of the cable a convenient distance and when this operation is completed the outer end of the desired, the end of the skidding cable low- 3 ered or lifted, the skidding cable locked in any lifted position with its load, the carrier released and the trip line locked with the carrier so that the carrier may be moved in either direction. These various operations are all accomplished by varying the tension and operation of the two lines.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings as follows Figure 1 shows aside elevation of the system. Fig. 2 a plan view of the hoisting engine. Fig. 3 an end View of the carrier. Fig. 4 a side elevation of the carrier, one of the side plates being broken away to show construction. Fig. 5 a section on the line :')-5 in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 a section on the line 66 in Fig. 4. Fig. 7 a fragment of the carrier and support, one plate being remove-l to show the positive locking mechanism.

1 marks the support which is in the form of a cable. This is carried by the posts or head and tail support 2 and 2 respectively. As shown the support is on an incline but it will be understood that my device is adapted to operate on a horizontal support. The

hoisting engine 3 may be of the two drum logging engine type. It has two drums 4 and 5 having the devices for throwing in tho port 1.

drums 6 and 7 operating on the drums 4 and 5 respectively. Brake bands 8 and 9 operate on the drums 4 and 5 respectively, the levers 10 and 11 actuating the brakes. All of these devices are of common construction and their operation is well understood in the art.

The skidding line 12 runs to the drums 4 and the trip line 13 runs to the drum 5. The skidding line runs through the pulley l-i on the head support 2 to the carrier and through the carrier 15. The trip line 13 runs through a pulley 16 extending out '30 the tail support 2 where it runs through the pulley 17 and is returned through the carrier and secured to a swivel 18 in the skidding line.

The carrier has the side plates 20. One of these is arranged at each side of the sup- Carrier wheels 21 are mounted on the shafts 22, the shafts 22 being secured to the side plates 20. The wheels 21 are of ordinary construction being grooved to better adapt them for running on the cable support 1.

The skidding line 12 runs over a pulley in the form of a gipsy 23 and terminates in a grab hook 24. There should be sufficient wraps on the gipsy to prevent the slipping ofthe cable upon it under normal conditions. The gipsy is journaled on the shaft 25. The shaft is. carried by the arms 26. The arms 26 are pivotally mounted one at each side of the carrier on the locking levers 27, the pins 28 forming the pivotal connection. The locking levers are pivotally mounted on the sides of the frame by means of the pins 29.

A fixed clamp jaw 30 is secured between the side plates 20 by means of the bolts 31. The face of this jaw is concave so as to conform to the shape of the cable in cross section. A movable clamp jaw 32 is opposed to the fixed clamp jaw 30. It is carried by the links 33, the links being pivotally secured to the jaw by pins 34 and pivotally mounted between the plates 20 on the pins 35, the pins 35 extending through the plates 20. Openings 36 are made in the side plates to permit of the swinging movement of the ends of the pins 34. One of the links 33 is extended to form the lever 37. This lever is connected by a link 38 with a weight lever 39, by means of the pin 38* forming a pivotal connection between the link and the lever 37 and the pin 38 forming a connection between the link and the lever 39. The

tend to swing the lever 39 so as to swing the links 33 in a direction to release the clamp whereas an upward movement of the lock lever tends to swing the lever 39 in the opposite direction so as to set the clamp. The operation of these parts will be further explained in the operation of the device.

The return end of the trip line 13 passes over a pully 46. this pulley being in the form of a gipsy, the trip line extending around it a sufficient number of wraps so that when the pulley is locked, it will lock the trip line with the carrier. The trip line continuing extends over a sheave 48 and is looped around a sheave 51 and the return of the loop is carried over a sheave 49. The sheaves 48 and 49 are carried on a pin 50 secured to the side plates 20 and the sheave 51 is carried by the pin 52 carried by the arms 26. The end of the trip line continues to the swivel 18 as heretofore described. The pin 52 on which the sheave 51 is journaled and the pin 25 on which the pully 23 is journaled extend through slots 53 and 54 respectively in the locking levers 27. This permits of a movement of the supporting arms 26 independently of the locking levers 27. This relative movement of the arms 26 with the locking levers raises and lowers the pulley 23 relatively to the locking levers 27. A locking dog 55 is secured by means of bolts 55 to one of the locking levers 27. It has the teeth 56 on its upper surface which are in the path of and adapted to engage the teeth 57 on one flange of the pulley 23 when the pillley 23 is lowered. In this way the pullev 23 is locked-against rotation. After the locking levers have been lowered so as to bring the pins 52 and 25 to the bottom of the slots 53 and 54 the arms 26 locked to the lever then move about the pivot 29. This swinging of the locking levers 27 on the pivot 29 throws a pawl 58 into the path of teeth 46 on one flange of the pulley 46. The pawl 58 is mounted on the pin 28, the swinging of the pawl being limited by the end of the pawl resting on the pin 29. A' spring 59 is arranged to yieldingly hold the pawl in position to engage the teeth 46*. Should the pawl engage the point of one of the teeth 46 as the locking lever 47 is swung. the yielding of the pawl prevents the total weight of the locking lever coming onto the pawl but swings the pawl in position to engage the tooth as the tooth passes by. The outgoing part of the trip line is guided between the sheaves by the guide pulleys 60 and 61 carried by the pins 62 and 63 on the side of the carrier. The plate 64 is preferably arranged outside the pulleys 60 and 61 and forms a part of the support for the pins 62 and 63. The pin 62 may be, and as shown is an extension of one of the journal pins 22.

In order to better guide the skidding line to the gipsy 23 and prevent the over-wrapping of the line as it runs on to the gipsy I prefer to extend the flange 65 of the gipsy pulley opposite the flange having the tooth 57 outwardly beyond the plane of the side plate 20 so as to permit the skidding line to be run to the gipsy outside the side plate. In this way the side plate forms a guide preventing over-wrapping. The side plate is cut away at 66 to permit the movement of the skidding line across the gipsy.

Guide plates 67 extend from one of the bolts 55 to bolt 68 extending between the arms 27. These plates guide the hoisting end of the skidding line so as to direct it properly to the gipsy pulley. In order to guard the bolt 55 carrying the plate 67 and the bolt 68 I provide these bolts with guard pulleys 69.

The operation of the system is as follows: Starting with the position of parts shown in Fig. 4 and considering that the carrier has just reached an outer position desired, it

will be understood that the trip line has been drawing the carrier outwardly and the friction on the drum 5 is in engagement and the drum is rotating. pulling in the trip line, the return end of the trip line moving outwardly with the carrier. The brake 8 has been set putting resistance on the skidding line, the resistance, however, not being sufiicient to stop the outward movement of the trip line. A further movement of the trip line operating through the loop on the sheave 51 has lifted the supporting arms 26 so as to carry the teeth 57 on the g psy 23 out of enga ement with the teeth 56 on the dog The further upward movement under theinfluence of the loop in the trip line on the sheave 51 has continued the movement of the locking arms 26 taking up through the engagement of the pins 52 and 25 with the upper ends of the slots 53 and 54 the locking lever 27, thus swinging the locking lever on the pin 29. This upward movement of the locking lever has communicated movement to the weight lever 39 through the thrust action of the link 41 on the bottom of the lever 39. This swings the upper end of the lever 39 so as to swing the lever 37 and the links 33 in a direction to force the movable j aw 32 into engagement with the carrier 1 so as to lock the carrier on the support 1 through the clamp formed by the movable and fixed jaws. This upward movement of the locking lever 27 has swung the rear end of this lever downwardly carrying with it the pawl 58 so as to release the gipsy 46 on which the trip line is wound so that the gipsy and trip line are free to move relatively to the carrier. It will be understood, however, that the trip line is still under tension by reason of the fact that it is being pulled in through the action of the drum 5 andv the resistance is still on the skidding line through the action of the brake 8 on the drum 4. The tension created by this resistance is sufficient to hold the sheave 51 with the parts in their proper position. A continued movement of the trip line pulls the skidding line outward against the resistance of the brake thus pulling the slack in the skidding line extending between the swivel 18 and the trolley 23- thus permitting the tongs through their weight to lower to the desired position and allowing the skidding line to be carried sidewise if desired to a log to be handled. When the skidding line has been played out to the desired position, the engine is stopped. holding the two lines under tension so that not only during the outward movement of the skidding line but also during the interval of securing the log the carrier is locked on the support through the pressure exerted on the locking lever through the loop, which may be termed a deflection, in the trip line around the sheave 51. While the operator-in the woods is hooking on a log, it will be understood that the engine remains stopped. The engineer while the engine is stationary during this period throws the friction 6 in on the drum 4 and throws the brake 9 on to the drum 5 and while the drums 4t and 5 are locked so as to maintain the tension on the lines 12 and 13 the brake 8 on the skidding line is released and the friction 7 on the trip line is released. The en wine is then ready to be started on the return movement. On the return movement all that is necessary with the parts on the drum set as indicated. is to start the engine, the friction 6 being in on the drum 4 this starts winding up the skidding line. This necessarily means the-playing out of the trip line but this playing out is resisted by the brake 9 so that the tension on the lines is maintained and this tension on the trip line operating through the loop around the sheave 51. as before stated, maintains the clamp in locked position so that the carrier is maintained in this position on the line during the hoisting movement of the skidding line. When the log has reached the elevated position desired. the brake is released on the trip line. This permits an initial downward movement of the supporting arm 26 carrying the teeth 57 on the flange of the gipsy 23 into engagement with the teeth56 of the dog 55. It will be understood that the weightof the logsupported as it is by the gipsy is communicated to the supporting arm 26, one end of the supporting arm being carried. by the pin 52 on which the sheave 51 is journaled and the opposite end of the arm 26 being carried by the pin 28 on the rear end of the locking lever 27. It will be seen, therefore, that there is a great pressure maintained on the rear end of the locking lever 27 through the pin 28, the effect of which is to keep the forward end of the lever in its upper position and the clamp locked until the sheave is locked with the dog It will be noted that when the gipsyreaches the position on the dog 55 the load is then carried directly by the locking lever 27 and the arm 26 swings and to all intents and purposes becomes part of the locking lever 27. The full weight of the load continues the downward movement of the locking lever 27 pulling out the loop around the sheave 51, the slack on the trip line permitting this. This movement of the locking lever 27 is communicated by means of the link 41 to the lever 39, swinging the lever 39 and with it the lever 37 so as to release the movable jaw 32 and unlock the carrier from the support. The carrier is then released ready for movement along the support and the load is locked in its elevated position relatively to the carrier through the fact that the gipsy is locked with the dog 55. The movement of the lever downwardly has swung the rear end of this lever upwardly carrying with it the pawl 58 so that the pawl 58 is in the path of the teeth 46 on the gipsy 46. This locking of the gipsy against a return movement preventsa movement of the trip line relatively to the carrier in a direction opposite to the skidding line. It will be observed that the gipsy 16 is locked simultaneously with the unlocking of the carrier so'that immediately the carrier is unlocked from the support, the trip line is locked with the carrier so that the carrier may be controlled by the trip line. It will be understood that the engine will not be stopped during this succession of movements and the drum 4 continuing to rotate is pulling in the skidding line. The operator when-the log has reached the proper elevation simply throws the brake off the trip line drum so as to lock the gipsy carrying the skidding line to lock the gipsy carrving the trip line and to releasethe carritr from the supporting line. all these movements beleased andthe trip line looked as above described with the carrier. If the support 1 i on an incline as shown in Fig. 1, the brake 9 is set retarding the outward movement. of the trip line and the load is lowered down line against the skidding line.

&

the incline, the operation preferably being that the retarding effect on the trip line is slightly in excess of the tendency of the carrier under the influence of the load to move down the incline so that the load is pulled down against this retarding effect by a slight pulling on the skidding line. This maintains the load under perfect control and still permits of efficient and rapid handling. Where the support is in a horizontal position or Where the conditions are reversed so that the inclineis toward the head tree the brake 9 may be released so that the trip line may run free. When the log has reached the landing, the engineer will throw the friction on the trip line, thus pulling the trip The effect of thi pulling of the lines against each other the trip line being locked against movement relative to the carrier by the locking of the gipsy 46 is to pull in the skidding line relatively to the carrier thus lifting the load. This same inward pulling of-the skidding line carries with it the end of the trip line and the loop of the trip line around the sheave 51 lifts the carrier 26, the lifting movement being equal to the lift of the teeth 56 of the dog 55 during the same turning movement of the gipsy so that the teeth 57 are swung clear of the dog inthis lifting movement. The continued lifting movement through the action of the loop in the trip line on the sheave 51 carrying with it as it does the supporting arm 26 and later the locking lever 27 moves the lever 39 through the thrust of the link 41 thus swinging the lever 37 and swinging the clamp 32 to locking position so as to lock the carrier on the support at the landing. This same movement of the locking lever unlocks the gipsy 46, the pawl 58 being swung out of the path of the teeth 46*. After the friction is thrown in on'the trip line, the brake 8 is thrown into engagement and the friction 6 thrown out of engagement with the drum 4. With an expert engineer this shifting of the brakes and frictions on the engine may be accomplished without shutting ofl the engine. After the completion of the movement of the parts, releasing the gipsy and looking the carrier with the support, the continued movement of the trip line pulls the skidding line outwardly against the resistance or retarding effect of the brake 8 thus lowering the load to the landing, it being understood that the resistance of the brake 8 is more than sufficient to sustain the load'and that it requires the pulling of the trip line to lower the load. As a feature going to the safety of the device, it will be understood that if this resistance of the brake is not sufficient to carry the load so that the load starts to run away this will release the tension sufficiently on the trip line so as to lock the gipsy and prevent the downward movement of the load. When the log has reached the ground, the continued movement of the trip line continues to pull the skidding line outwardly so that the hooks may be readily disengaged from the log.

By the same reversing of the operations as has been heretofore described with the parts in the woods the hook may be again elevated, that is to say, while the operator is unhooking the log, the engineer stops the engine, sets the friction on the skidding. drum 4, sets the brake on the trip drum 5, releases the friction on the trip drum 5 and releases the brake on the main drum. When the engineer then gets the signal, by starting the engine the hook is drawn up, the tension being maintained on the lines so as to keep the carrier locked in position on the support and the gipsies unlocked through the resistance given the outward movement of the trip line by the brake 9 on the drum 5. It will be observed that with this apparatus it is not necessary to elevate the hook to the carrier. It may be stopped at any point where it will clear the intervening ground over which the support extends. When the hook has reached the desired elevation the friction 7 is thrown into the drum 5 and the brake 9 released therefrom at the same time the friction 6 is released from the skidding drum. The skidding line is then in shape to run free and this puts slack on to the end of the trip line and the weight 45 on the arm 44 of the lever 39 is then sufficient under these conditions to 'swing'the lever 39 to a position releasing the clamp and at the same time allowing the locking lever 27 to swing downwardly so as to throw the pawl 58 into the path'of the teeth 46 of the gipsy 46.- This looks the trip line with the carrier so that the carrier may be pulled out to the desired position by the trip line. As the lever 39 is swung through the influence of the weight 45, the link 41 assumes a position nearly in line between the pivots 43 and 40 so that the lever 27 is almost locked against an upward movement throughthis position of the links of the toggle lever thus formed. The weight with such a leverage is sufficient to overcome the tendency to pull the locking lever 27 upwardly through the pull on the trip line necessary to pull out the skidding line running free. When the carrier reaches the desired position in the woods, the brake is set as has been before described, the brake 8 on the skidding drum is set, thus putting suflicient tension on the skidding line to overcome the weight on the lever 39. Immediately this increased tension pulls the locking lever to the upper position shown in Fig. 4 and this upward movement of the locking lever 27 swings the lever 39 through the and 30 is suflicient.

memes thrust of the link 41 so as to set the clamp on the support, thus locking the carrier in position.

Where the apparatus is operated with a horizontal support, or where the head tree is highest, the clamp formed by the jaws 32 Where, however, the support has a very pronounced incline with the tail tree in a higher position, it may be desirable to supplement the clamp formed by the jaws 32and 30 with a positive locking mechanism for locking the carrier on the support. This mechanism is shown in detail in Fig. 7. 'A latch 70 is mounted on a movable support 71 by means of the pin 70. The movable support is preferably carried by the wheels 71. A line 72 runs from the movable support to the tail tree and through a block 73 on the tail. tree to a securing means 74 ordinarily on the ground. The support 71 is anchored in its position by the lines 75 which run down each side of the support and are anchored to a securing means 76 on the ground. The latch normally rests on a stop 71 and is held on this stop by a spring 71. A catch block 77 is fiXed on the carrier between the plates 20. The catch block has an inclined surface next to the latch 70 so that when the carrier approaches the latch 70, the latch swings up over the block 77 and engages the block. The engaging surfaces 78 and 79 on the latch 7 0 and block 77 respectively are slightly inclined to the line of strain so that they will release under the load unless restrained. In order to lock the latch in position while the load is being brought to the carrier, I provide the locking finger 80 which is moved over the latch 70 so as' to positively lock it in engaged position. The finger 80 is connected with the movable shoe 32 by means of a pin 81. It has a slot 82 in its forward end and the pin 83 extends through this slot, the pin 83 being carried by the side plates 20. A projection 84 extends from the front end of the finger 80 in position to be carried over the front end of the latch 70. The operation of this device is as follows: As the carrier reaches the desired position, which is the position fixed by the support 71, the latch 70 passes over the catch block 77 and the surfaces '78 and 79 are brought into engagement. As the lines leading to the carrier are manipulated, the clamp is set in the manner hereinbefore de scribed. The setting of the clamp moves the jaw 32 so as to move the finger '80 and this movement of the finger carries the extension .84 over the latch 70 thus locking it in engaged position. When the load is lifted and in position on the carrier to be run to the landing, the clamp is released in the manner hereinbefore described and the releasing of the clamp moves the finger 80 so as to carry municating tension oneto the other irre-' spective of the load and permitting a tension variation irrespective of load variations; and means operating by a variation of the tension on said lines for locking the carrier on the support.

2. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier opposed to the skidding line, said lines communicating tension one to the other irrespective of the load and permitting a tension variation irrespective of load variations; and means operating by a variation of the tension on said lines controlled from a fixed point for locking the carrier at various points at the will of the operator.

3. In an aerial conveyer system, thecom bination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier opposed to the skidding line, said lines com municating tension one to the other irrespec' tive of the load and permitting a tension variation irrespective of load variations; and means operating by a variation of the tension on said lines for locking the carrier on the support during the hoisting movement of the skidding line.

4. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier opposed to the skidding line, said lines communicating tension one to the other irrespective of the load and permitting a tension variation irrespective of load variations; and means operating by a variation of the tension on said lines for locking the carrier on the support during the lowering movement of the bination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier opposed to the skidding line, said lines communicating tension one to the other irrespective of the load and permitting a tension variation irrespective of load variations; and means operating by varying the relative tensions on said lines for locking the carrier on the support during the hoisting movement of the skidding line and during the lowering movement of the end of the skidding line from the carrier.

6. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running tothe carrier opposed to and secured to the skidding line; and means operating by varying the relative tensions on said lines for locking the carrier on the support during a slack pulling movement of the skidding line through the action of the trip line,

7. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier opposed to and secured to the skidding line; and means operating by varying the relative tensions on said lines for locking the carrier on the support during a slack pulling movement of the skidding line through the action of the trip line and for locking the carrier on the support during the hoisting movement of the skidding line.

8. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line; and means operating from a'fixed point and at different positions of the carrier on the support at the will of the operator for locking one of said lines with the carrier and for releasing said line from the carrier.

9. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line; and means operated by varying the relative tensions on said lines for locking one of said lines with the carrier.

10. In an aerial conveyor system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line; and means operating upon an intermediate portion of one of said lines for locking said line with said carrier.

11. In an aerial convever system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line; and means adapted to be operated from a fixed point and acting upon an intermediate part of one of said lines for locking said line with the carrier.

12. In an aerial convever system, the comand opposed to the skidding line and secured to the skidding line for operating the slack of the skidding line; and means operative from a fixed point for locking the trip line with the carrier.

13. In an aerial conveyor system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line and secured to the skidding line for operating the slack of the skidding line; and means operated by varying the relative tensions on said lines for locking the trip line with the carrier.

14. In an aerial conveyor system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line and secured to the skidding line for operating the slack of the skidding line; and means operating from a fixed point on an intermediate portion of the trip line for locking the trip line on the carrier.

15. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier: a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line and secured to the skidding line for operating the slack of the skidding line; and means operative from a fixed point for locking both lines with the carrier.

16. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line and secured to the skidding line for operating the slack of the skidding line; and means operated by varying the relative tensions on said lines for locking both lines with the carrier.

17. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line and secured to the skidding line for operating the slack of the skidding line; and means operating from a fixed point and acting on an intermediate portion of the trip line for locking both lines with the carrier.

1.8. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line: a gipsy on the carrier over which one of said lines run; and means operable from a fixed point for locking said gipsy to lock the line on the gipsy.

19. In an aerial conveyor system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the amines carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and secured to the skiddin line for operating the slack in the skidding line; a gipsy over which the trip is run; and means for locking the gipsy to lock the trip line with the carrier. 7

20. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carriersupport; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and secured to the skidding line adapted to operate the slack of the skidding line; gipsies over which said lines run; and means for locking the gipsies to lock the lines with the carrier.

21. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on th support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line, said trip line operating the slack in the skidding line; a gipsy over which the trip line runs; means for locking the gipsy to lock the trip line with the carrier and means for locking the skidding line with the carrier.

22. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier; a gipsy over which one of said lines run; and means operating by varying the relative tensions on said lines for locking the gipsy and thereby locking the line on the gipsy with the carrier.

23. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line and adapt ed to operate the slack in the skidding line; a gipsy on the carrier over which the trip line is run; and means actuated by varying the relative tensions on said lines for locking the gipsy to lock the trip line With the carrier.

24. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier; a gipsy oveif 'which the skidding line is run; and means-operated by varying the relative tensions on said lines for locking said gipsy to lock the skidding line with the carrier.

25. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line and adapted to operate the slack in the skidding l ne; gipsies on the carrier over Which sa d hnes run; and means actuated by varylng the ,relative tensions on said lines for locking said gipsies to lock said lines with the carrier.

26. In an aerial conveyer system, the com-- bination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposing the skidding line, said lines communicating tension one to the other irrespective of the load and permitting a tension variation irrespective of load variations; means operated by a variation of the tension on said lines for locking the carrier on the support; and devices for locking one of said lines with the carrier.

27. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the earrier; a trip line running to the carrier; and means operating by varying the relative tensions on said lines for locking the carrier on the support and for locking one of said lines with the carrier.

28. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier; and means operated from a fixed point for locking the carrier at various positions on the support at the will of the operator and for locking and releasing one of said lines With and from the carrier.

29. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier; and means operated from a fixed point for locking the carrier at various positions on the support at the Will of the operator and for locking" and releasing an intermediate portion of one of said lines With and from the carrier.

30. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier; means operating by varying the relative tensions on said lines for locking the carrier at various points at the will. of the operator on said support; and devices for locking and releasing one of said lines With and from the carrier. I

31. Inan aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the'support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier; and means operated by varying the relative tensions on said lines for both locking the carrier at various points on the support at the Will of the operator and also for looking one of said lines with the carrier.-

32. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier adapted to operate the slack on the skidding line; means operated by varying the relative tensions on said lines for locking the carrier on the support; and devices for locking the trip line with the carrier. 7

33. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier-support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier adapted to operate the slack on the skidding line; and means operated by Varying the relative tensions on said lines for locking the carrier on the support and for locking,

the trip line With the carrier.

bination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier adapted to operate the slack on the skidding line; and means adapted to be operated from a fixed point for locking the carrier at various points on the support at the will of the operator and for locking the trip line with the carrier.

36. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier;

means operated by varying the relative tensions on said lines for locking the carrier on the support; and devices for locking and releasing the skidding line with and from the I carrier.

37 In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier; and means operated from a fixed point for locking the carrier atdifi'erent positions on the support at the will of the operator and for locking the skidding line with the carrier.

38. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier onthe support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier; and means operated from a fixed point for locking the carrier at different positions on the support at the will of the operator and for locking an intermediate portion of the skidding line with the carrier.

39. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on. the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line and adapted to operate the slack therein; meansoperated by varying the relative tensions on said lines for locking the carrier on the support; and devices for locking both of said lines with the carrier.

40. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line and adapted to operate the slack therein; and means adapted to be operated from a fixed point for locking the carrier on the support and for locking both of said lines with the carrier.

41. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line and adapted to operate the slack therein; and means adapted to be operated from a fixed point for locking the carrier on the support and for locking intermediate portions of both of said lines with the carrier.

42. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line and adapted to operate the slack therein; and means operated by varying the relative tensions on said lines for locking the carrier on the support at various points on the support at the will of the operator and for locking both of said lines with the carrier.

43. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line and adapted to operate the slack therein; and means adapted to be operated from a fixed point for locking the carrier at various points on the support at the will of the operator and for locking both of said lines with the carrier.

44. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a clamp for locking the carrier with the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line, said lines communicating tension one to the other irrespective of the load and permitting a tension variation irrespective of load variations; and means operating by a variation of the tension on said lines for operating said clamp.

45. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a. clamp for locking the carrier on the support; a. skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier and opposed to the skidding line, said lines communicating tension one to the other 1,1ea,eaa

on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a pulley over which the skidding line runs; a pulley support for the pulley; a trip line running to the carrier; means actuated by the trip line for moving said pulley support; and means for locking or releasing the pulley when the pulley support is actuated.

47. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the the support; devices for locking the car.- rier on the support; a. skidding line running to the carrier; a pulley over which the skidding line runs; a pulley support for the pulley; a trip line running to the carrier; means actuated by the trip line for moving said pulley support; and means actuated by said pulley support for actuating said devices.

'48. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on thegsupport; devices for locking the carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a pulley over which the skidding line runs; a'pulley support for the pulley; a trip line running to the carrier; means actuated by the trip line for moving said pulley support; and means actuated by said pulley support for looking or releasing the trip line relatively to the carrier.

49. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; devices for locking the carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a pulley over which the skidding line runs; a pulley support carried by the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier; means actuated by the trip line for actuating said pulley support; and mechanism connecting the pulley support with said devices to actuate the same.

50. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a pulley over which the skidding line runs; a pulley support for said pulley; a trip line running to said carrier; devices for locking the trip line with the carrier; a

, support; a, skidding line running to the carrier; a pulley over which the skidding line runs; a pulley support for said pulley; a trip line running to the carrier; devices actuated by the trip line for actuating said pulley support; locking mechanism for locking the pulley when the pulley support is actuated; a lock lever actuated by the pulley support; and means for locking the trip line with the carrier actuated by said lock lever.

52. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; apparatus for locking the carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a. pulley over which the skidding line runs; a pulley support for said pulley; a trip line running to the carrier; mechanism actuated by the trip line for actuating the pulleysupport; a lock lever on which the pulley support is pivotally mounted; devices on the lock lever for locking the pulley when the pulley support is, moved relatively to the lock lever; devices actuated by the lock lever for locking the trip line with the carrier when the lock lever is actuated; and mechanism actuated by the lock lever for actuating said apparatus.

53. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on said support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a pulley over which the skidding line runs; a pulley support for the pulley; a lock lever on which the pulley support is pivotally mounted; a pivotal support for the lock lever, the pivotal support for the lock lever being between the pulley and the pivotal connection between the pulley support and the lock lever; devices for limiting the movement of the pulley support relatively to the lock lever; apparatus for locklng the carrier on the carrier support actuated by the lock lever after the pulley support has reached the limit of its movement relatively to the .lock lever; and means on the lock lever for locking the pulley with a movement of the pulley support relatively to the lock lever.

54:. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; devices for locking the carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a pulley over which the skidding line runs; a pulley support on which the pulley is'mounted; a lock lever on which the pulley support is pivotally mounted; a pivotal mounting for the lock lever between the pulley and the pulley support on the lock lever; a lever for actuat-ing'said devices; a link connection between said lever and the lock lever; means for limiting the movement of the pulley support relatively to the lock lever; and mechanism for locking the pulley with a movement of the pulley support relacarrier; a pulley over which the skidding line runs; a pulley support on which the pulley is mounted; a lock lever on which the pulley support is pivotallymounted; a pivotal mounting for the lock lever between the pulley and the pulley support on the lock lever; a lever for actuating said devices; a link connection between said lever and the lock lever; means for limiting the running to the carrier; and means actuated by the lock lever for locking the trip line with the carrier.

, 56. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; devices for locking the carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; devices actuated by the load on the skidding line for releasing said devices; and means for releasing said devices independently of the load on 'the skidding line.

57. In an aerial conveyer system, the com, bination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; devices for locking the carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; devices actuated by the load on the skidding line for releasing said devices; and a weighted lever for releasing said de vices independently of the load on the skidding line.

58. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; devices for locking the carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; means actuated by the load on the skidding line for releasing said devices; a trip line running to the carrier; and means actuated by the trip line for locking said devices.

59. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; devices for locking the carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; means actuated by the load on the skidding line for releasing said devices; a trip line running to the carrier; and means actuated by varying'the relative tensions on said lines for locking said devices.

60. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; devices for locking the carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; mechanism operating independently of the load on the skidding line for releasing said devices; a trip line running to the'carrier; and means actuated by the trip line for locking said devices.

61. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; devices for locking the car; rier on the support; a skidding'line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier' and opposed to the skidding line and adapted to actuate the slack in the skidding line: means actuated by varying the tensions on said lines for locking said devices; mechanism influenced by the load on the skidding line for releasing said devices; apparatus independent of said mechanism for influencing the release of said devices; devices for locking the skidding line with the carrier to support its load; and devices for locking thg rtrip line with the carrier.

62. In an aerial conveyer system, the colnbination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier; mechanisn'i adapted to be actuated from a fixed point for locking and releasing the carrier on the support devices actuated from the same point for pulling the slack in the skidding line relatively to the carrier through the action of the trip line and means for locking the skidding line with its load relatively to the carrier for locking the trip line with the carrier.

(33. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier; means adapted to be actuated by operating said lines for locking the carrier on the sup port at various points at the will of the operator; mechanism also actuated by operating said lines for pulling the slack in the skidding line; devices also actuated by operating said lines locking the skidding line with the carrier; an apparatus also actuated by operating said lines for locking the trip line with the carrier and releasing the carrier from the support and moving the carrier on the support.

64. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a trip line running to the carrier; a skidding line running to the carrier; means actuated from a fixed point and through the operation of said lines for locking the carrier at various points on the support at the will of the operator; mechanism also actuated from the same point and through the operation of said lines for pulling the slack in the skidding line relatively to the carrier; mechanism also actuated from a fixed point through the operation of said lines for elevating the skidding line and locking the same with the carrier; means also actuated from a fixed point and through the operation of said lines for locking the trip line with the carrier; devices actuated from a fixed point and through the operation of said lines for releasing the carrier from the support and moving the carrier to a position desired; means also actuated from a fixed point and through the operation of said lines for locking the carrier with the support; devices actuated from a fixed point and through the operation of said lines for releasing the skidding line and lowering the same; mechanism also actuated from a fixed point and through the operation of said lines for elevating the skidding line and releasing the skidding line; and devices actuated from a fixed point and through the operation (if said lines for releasing the carrier from the support for moving the carrier tothe point desired on thesupport.

65. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line-running to the carrier opposed to the skidding line and secured thereto; mechanism adapted to be operated from a fixed point and through the manipu-v lation of said lines for moving the carrier to a desired position; mechanism also adapted to be operated from a fixed point and through the manipulation of said lines for locking the carrier on said support; mechanism also adapted to be operated from a fixed point and through the manipulation of said lines for pulling the slack in the skid ding line; mechanism also adapted to be operated from a fixed point and through the manipulation of said lines for hoisting the load with the skidding line; mechanism also adapted to be operated from a fixed point and through the manipulation of said lines for locking the skidding line with the car rier; and mechanism also adapted to be operated from a fixed point and through the manipulation of said lines for releasing the carrier from the support and locking-the trip line with the carrier.

66. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier opposed to the skidding line and secured thereto; mechanism "adapted to be operated from a fixed point and through the manipulation of said lines for moving the carrier to a point desired; mechanism also adapted to be operated from a fixed point and through the manipulation of said lines for locking the carrier with the support; mechanism also adapted to be operated from a fixed point and through the manipulation of said lines for releasing the skidding line and lowering its load; mechanism also adapted'to be operated from a fixed point and through the manipulation of said lines for elevating the end of the skidding line; mechanism also adapted to be operated from a fixed point and through the manipulation of said lines for locking the skidding line; mechanism also adapted tobe operated from a fixed point and through the manipulation of said lines for releasing the carrier; and mechanism also adapted to be operated from a fixed point and through the manipulation of said lines for locking the trip line moving the carrier to a point desired.

67. In an aerial conveyer system, the comrunning to the carrier; and means actuated by varying the relative tensions on said lines for actuating the lock.

68. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; devices for locking the carrier at various points on the support; a positive lock for locking the carrier at a fixed point, one element of the lock being on the carrier and the other element fixed relatively to the support; and means actuated from a fixed point ior actuating said lock and devices.

69. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; devices for locking the carrier at various points on the support; a positive lock for locking the carrier at a fixed point, one element of the lock being on the carrier and the other element fixed relatively to the support; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier; and means actuated by varying the relative tensions on said lines for operating said devices and lock.

70. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a latch fixed relatively to the support; a catch on the carrier adapted to engage said latch, the engaging surfaces of the latch and catch being directioned to disengage under strain; means for locking the catch in engagement; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier; and devices actuated by varying the relative tensions on said lines for actuating said means.

71. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on said support; a clamp for locking the carrier on the support, the clamp having a movable element movable toward and from the support; a latch on the support; a catch on the carrier adapted to engage the latch; means for locking the latch in engagement; and devices adapted to be actuated from a fixed point remote from the latch for actuating the clamp and said means.

7 2. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a clamp for locking the carrier on the support, the clamp having a movable element movable toward and from the support; a latch on the support; a catch on the carrier adapted to engage the latch; means for locking the latch in engagement; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier; and devices actuated by varying the relative tensions on said lines for actuating said clamp and said means.

7 3. In an aerial conveyer system, the combination of a carrier support; a carrier on the support; a clamp for locking the carrier on the support; a positive lock having a fixed element on the support and an element on the carrier for locking the carrier at a fixed point; and means adapted to be op orated from a fixed point remote from the fixed element of the lock on the support for actuating said clamp and lock.

74. In an aerial conveyer systemfthe combination of a carrier-support; a carrier on the support; a clamp for locking the carrier on the support; a positive lock having a fixed element on the support and an element on the carrier for locking the carrier at a fixed point; a skidding line running to the carrier; a trip line running to the carrier; and means actuated by varying the relative tensions on said lines for actuating said clamp and said lock.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

BERT CHARLES BALL. Witnesses B. M. I'IARTMAN, THOMAS C. MILLER. 

